strataadvocate

Links

Stratawatch.ca website provides a free directory of Strata Management Companies in British Columbia. The site also includes ratings on the service provided by Strata Management Companies. Rate your Strata Management Service or, should you have a complaint about your Strata Management Company?

File it with www.stratawatch.ca

B.C. Strata Associations

(VISOA) Vancouver Island Strata Owners Association www.visoa.bc.ca
(PCA) Pacific Condominium Association: www.condohelp.org

BC Strata Property Legislation

March 31, 2009 debate on second reading of Bill 12 found at: Click Here
September 24, 2009 debate on second reading of Bill 8 found at: Click Here
October 5, 2009 continued debate on second reading of Bill 8 found at: Click Here
October 6, 2009 debate on third reading of Bill 8 found at: Click Here

Acts

Strata Property Act: Click Here
Strata Property Regulations: Click Here
Real Estate Services Act: Click Here
Real Estate Development Marketing Act: Click Here

Key Dates

2000-07-1
Strata Property Act comes into effect replacing the Condominium Act.

2001-04-9
Report by Housing Policy Branch of government proposes licensing of strata managers by the Homeowner Protection Office, a proposal supported by VISOA and CHOA but opposed by the real estate industry.

2003-11-5
Finance Minister Gary Collins announces government intention to review the Strata Property Act.

2006-01-1
Commencement of government mandated licensing of strata managers by the industry-run Real Estate Council of BC.

2008-05-2
VISOA releases report describing areas of concern and recommending a public review of the SPA(Strata Property Act), the Real Estate Services Act and the Real Estate Development Marketing Act with a focus on protecting the property rights of strata homeowners.

2009-03-1
Finance Minister Colin Hansen introduces Bill 12 to amend the SPA with his stated pre-election intention to “go out and invite feedback” to the Bill.

2009-06-10
Responsibility for the Strata Property Act is moved from Finance to Housing while Finance retains responsibility for the Real Estate Services Act & the Real Estate Development Marketing Development Act."

2009-10-6
Government introduces Bill 8 (replacing Bill 12) and forces it through the legislature without public consultation.

History

The British Columbia Strata Property Act (SPA) came into force on July 1, 2000. Since then there has been massive growth in the number and diversity of strata properties. Many problems have arisen in applying the Act to strata issues and in protecting the rights of strata owners. Although the present BC government made a commitment in 2003 to review the SPA it has refused to undertake either a comprehensive review of strata legislation or consult publicly about the legislation that affects over 700,000 strata owners. Instead it passed Bill 8 in 2009 to amend the SPA based on "private and confidential" discussions with real estate industry insiders while ignoring many pressing concerns of strata owners. This website is provided as a resource for strata owners seeking a public review of BC legislation affecting the rights of strata owners.

Strata Advocate

strataadvocate.ca